PEOSH Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134)

An estimated 5 million workers are required to wear respirators in 1.3 million workplaces throughout the United States. Respirators protect workers against:

Insufficient oxygen environments

Harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays

Airborne infectious agents

These hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, other diseases, or death.

Respirators must be used when airborne hazards are present and effective engineering controls are not feasible. Respirators have their limitations and are not a substitute for effective engineering controls. Where respirators are required to protect worker health, public employers must comply with the PEOSH Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).

The Standard contains requirements for:

Program administration

Worksite-specific procedures

Respirator selection

Employee training

Fit-testing

Medical evaluation

Respirator use, cleaning, storage, maintenance and repair

Some public sector occupations where respirators are commonly required include:

Healthcare Facilities & Services

New Jersey is home to over 2,000 licensed hospitals, nursing homes, and medical care facilities. The New Jersey Department of Health works to ensure that citizens receive appropriate levels of care in every regulated facility.